being saluted for the endless hours they spend taking care of the elderly.

And coordinator for Government's Aged and Handicapped, Mrs. Corita Saunders encouraged care givers to take advantage of the help that is available.

Noting that one-fifth of Bermuda's population will be over 65 by the year 2021, Mrs. Saunders said: "The potential problem in providing home care is the limited number of family members available for care-giving.'' About 80 percent of senior citizens have living adult children, she estimated, and about 40 percent of the "frail elderly'' were cared for by their children -- in particular the daughter.

"The remainder of these elderly people are usually cared for by their spouses,'' Mrs. Saunders said.

"Thus, to avoid burn-out or even abuse, the care giver's needs must be met.

This would prevent or delay institutionalisation of their loved ones.'' "As a matter of fact seniors want to remain in their own homes for as long as practical and every effort should be made to facilitate this,'' she said.

"Economically, it costs less to care for semi-dependent seniors in their home as compared to being in an institution.'' But care givers needed reinforcement and encouragement to meet the challenges, conflicts and their responsibilities.

"So the questions to be asked of the care giver are how well are you looking after yourself, and how well are you coping? If at times you feel tired and stressed, guilty that you are not doing more, alone or feel that other family members don't realise how much responsibility you are carrying or even don't care, remember that help is out there,'' she said. Mrs. Saunders urged care givers to consult with those at the Aged and Handicapped Programme and other professionals for referral to the appropriate resource.

"There are quite a few support groups within the community dealing with specific illnesses,'' she said. "We can direct them (care givers) to the right area.'' Mrs. Saunders also encouraged care givers to: Enjoy their own interests, coupled with sufficient time to shop, exercise and sleep; Develop support groups to share common concerns; Use the Seniors Handbook to be aware of the resources available; Use surrogate care givers, like home resource aides, to assist seniors with personal care and daily chores; Consult with the community occupational therapist for advice in adapting the house and using assisting devices that will enhance seniors' quality of life; and Plan, a few months in advance, to get away either on a vacation or for respite care in institutions for three to four weeks. PHOTO Mrs. Corita Saunders.